Sharebuilder?

[Petunia 100]

Edit: I originally wrote that Vanguard is commission-free, but I checked it out, and you cannot buy an ETF directly at Vanguard. My apology. However, the following remains. I think you have to do a price-by-price comparison of various ETFs to see whose expense ratio is lower.

Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is merely 0.06%. From what I saw on Schwab's site, most ETFs are from .20 to .60%.

Vanguard's large cap ETF, for instance, has an expense ratio of .12% vs Schwab's .13%

I just noticed this statement. Photo, you can buy ETFs directly at Vanguard. You need a brokerage account to do it. Vanguard ETFs can be bought and sold at no charge, other ETFs cost $7 per trade. This was the primary reason I was willing to move my brokerage account from Vanguard to Wells Fargo. I like to keep 10% of my portfolio in TIPs, and Vanguard does not have a TIP ETF. When I switched from mutual funds to ETFs, I had to swap Vanguard's TIPs mutual fund for an iShares ETF. Everytime I rebalanced in or out, it cost me $7. I actually get a better deal at Wells Fargo than at Vanguard! That blew my mind when I made the switch, and I still can't get over it today. I have always felt that investing through a bank should be avoided. Times have changed, and you really have to examine your options to determine who will give you the best deal.

[photo]

Times have changed, and you really have to examine your options to determine who will give you the best deal.

I agree. Thanks for this information.

[LuckyRobin]

I've decided to read some books before investing in anything. I clearly don't know enough about it to throw my money in yet. I've got The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing and Smart Women Finish Rich on hold at the library. Are there any other suggestions for good investing books besides the one listed above?

[photo]

I've not read the Bogleheads book, but it seems to be very highly regarded, and it's on my list. One book I've got right now is High-Powered Investing All-in-One for Dummies. It's over 700 pages, but I'm using it as a reference guide. For instance, I've never understand exactly what a hedge fund is, and with good reason. The book says that the term is widely interpreted by various people but goes on to give a fairly good description of how they work. I've learned just enough to know that I know very little and will most likely not invest in one!

[Petunia 100]

I've decided to read some books before investing in anything. I clearly don't know enough about it to throw my money in yet. I've got The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing and Smart Women Finish Rich on hold at the library. Are there any other suggestions for good investing books besides the one listed above?

Lucky Robin,

If you like to read online an excellent place to learn is Morningstar's Investing Classroom. You have to register for the site, but regular membership is free. There is also a premium membership, but you don't need it for Investing Classroom.

Investment Education, Investing 101, Investment Basics, Investment Classroom, Learn to Invest | Morningstar

The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing is excellent.